Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,864releases indexed
39,478attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,113partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-06-12newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,113 unclear 7,200 not held 3,069 released 1,537 already published 671 cost limit 607 clarification 349 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4931 s.20 4280 s.34(1) 3589 s.39(2) 3481 s.30 2878 s.17(1) 2774 s.25(1) 2381 s.10(4) 1987 s.11(2) 1571 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1158 s.3 908

Timeline

2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,279 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 967 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 923 releases · 31.0 avg days Learning Directorate 861 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 729 releases · 39.9 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 633 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
777 matching releases

Further correspondence from 5th to 12th of February regarding Mr Mackay: FOI release

1) Please provide all correspondence between Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Government special advisers, her Chief of Staff and private office in relation to allegations about the conduct Derek Mackay and subsequently his resignation from government between noon on 5 February and 12 February 2020. 2) Please provide all ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.38(1) s.39(1) s.17(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-12
Reference
FOI/202000015900
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

'Scotland's right to choose: putting Scotland's future in Scotland's hands' related costs: FOI release

All costs associated with the Scottish Government's document 'Scotland's Right to Choose: Putting Scotland's Future in Scotland's Hands'. If possible please break this down into costs on staffing (or staffing hours spent on this), internal costs, external costs such as printing etc. The number of Scottish Government st...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers spending s.17(1)
Published
2020-02-10
Reference
FOI/202000011414
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Correspondence regarding meeting involving the Scottish Government (including Deputy First Minister), Education Scotland and ADES: FOI release

Please release the following information under FOISA regarding the 23 October 2019 meeting involving the Scottish Government (including Deputy First Minister), Education Scotland and ADES All communications regarding the meeting All materials prepared in advance of the meeting All notes from the meeting, including any...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-01-16
Reference
201900009848
Directorate
Topic

Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and net zero emissions correspondence: EIR release

You asked for: Any briefings or background materials provided to Nicola Sturgeon and/or Fergus Ewing by special advisers or civil servants in 2019 on the topic of leaving the CFP by December 2020. Any briefings or background materials provided to Nicola Sturgeon and/or Roseanna Cunningham by special advisers or civil ...

FOI/EIR partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.10(4) 2 attachments
Published
2020-01-15
Reference
FOI/19/02637
Directorate
Energy and Climate Change Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Farming and rural, Public sector

Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) funding correspondence: FOI release

You asked for all internal Scottish Government correspondence on the subject of or relating to the announcement in the following news release: https://news.gov.scot/news/gbp-60m-for-michelin-scotland-innovation-parc This should include but not be limited to ministers, officials, special advisers and press/comms staff.

FOI released 95 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments
Published
2020-01-13
Reference
FOI/19/02599
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Disclosure Scotland - IT problems/issues correspondence: FOI release

You asked for any briefings provided to Scottish Government ministers or correspondence between Disclosure Scotland and Scottish Government ministers (particularly Maree Todd and John Swinney) or special advisers regarding IT problems/issues at Disclosure Scotland in the last three months.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-12-04
Reference
FOI/19/02423
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence relating to the former First Minister investigation and communications concerning the Permanent Secretary: FOI release

You asked for: 1. Further to the existing replies to my earlier requests please list the Scottish Government meetings with external legal advisers relating to the investigation concerning Alex Salmond in July and August 2018 and the civil servants, government ministers, special advisers and any others at these meeting...

FOI withheld 55 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings contracts s.2 s.30 s.38(1)
Published
2019-11-27
Reference
FOI/19/02429
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

2019 Higher and National 5 results breakdown and correspondence: FOI release

In your request you asked for:- Any briefings, analysis, breakdowns etc regarding the 2019 Higher and National 5 results created by or provided to the Scottish Government All internal communications involving Learning Directorate staff, ministers or special advisers regarding the 2019 exam results Any communication be...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.12 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.25 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-11-21
Reference
FOI/201900003157
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

2019 Higher and National 5 results breakdown and correspondence: FOI review

I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for: Any briefings, analysis, breakdowns etc regarding the 2019 Higher and National 5 results created by or provided to the Scottish Government All internal communications involving Learning Dire...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.12(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.29(1) 14 attachments
Published
2019-11-21
Reference
FOI/201900004088
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic

Correspondence with Eva Bolander: FOI release

Your asked for: Any correspondence (letters, emails, minutes of meetings, phone calls or otherwise) in 2019 between Nicola Sturgeon or Scottish Government special advisers and Eva Bolander.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-11-18
Reference
FOI/201900005385
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme – various questions: FOI release

You asked for recorded information held by the Scottish Government that relates to the operation of the Help to Buy scheme, specifically: 1. Copies of all meeting notes, agendas, power point presentations or other materials produced / consumed by members of the Help to Buy (Scotland) Working group since August 23 2017....

FOI clarification 55 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.3 s.38(1) s.34(1)
Published
2019-11-13
Reference
FOI/201900004933
Directorate
Topic
Housing, Money and tax, Public sector

Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited correspondence: FOI release

‘copies of any and all correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes or electronic, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, reports, loan drawdown assurance reports, documents or otherwise) between Scottish Government ministers, senior civil servants, Scottish Government senior lawyers, and any Scottish Governm...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.27(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-11-12
Reference
FOI/201900005209
Directorate
Economic Development Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Delays to introduction of Sexual Harm Prevention Orders: FOI Review

a) all legal advice and/or guidance on whether Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) can be introduced in Scotland with conditions of residence attached instead of waiting for further legislation in the UK Parliament; and b) all information contained in documents and correspondence with regard to the delay in the intr...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.29(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2019-10-24
Reference
FOI/201900004674
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Law and order, Public sector

Ministers and Special advisers internal communication channels: FOI release

Details of all internal communication channels used by Scottish government ministers and special advisers Please provide the name of the platform and the time for which it has been in use This includes, but is not limited to, services such as text messaging, email, Slack channels and Whatsapp chats

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp
Published
2019-09-30
Reference
FOI/201900003700
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Staff, meetings and correspondence concerning response to Judicial Review Petition: FOI release

1. Please state the full membership of the group within the Scottish Government brought together to respond to the Judicial Review Petition of Mr Alex Salmond. Please itemise any and all advisers brought in to assist. 2. There were 17 pre-arranged meetings and conference calls between August 2018 and January 2019 with ...

FOI not held 45 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.3 s.17(1) s.25(1)
Published
2019-09-25
Reference
FOI/19/02016
Directorate
Topic
Public sector, Public sector

Scottish Information Commissioner decision 121/2019 and FoI/18/02260 correspondence: FOI release

You asked for “Any correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, documents or otherwise) since August 2018 on the topic of FoI/18/02260 and/or the Scottish Information Commissioner decision 121/2019 between any of the following people: Scottish Government Ministers, spec...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.47(1) 6 attachments
Published
2019-09-20
Reference
FOI/201900003579
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Various questions on case against Former First Minister: FOI release

You asked for: 1. Please specify the job description of Ms Katy Bowman, Special Adviser to the First Minister both at present and in 2014. 2. Please identify the line management responsibilities of Ms Liz Lloyd, First Minister’s chief of staff, to Ms Katy Bowman, Special Adviser to the First Minister. 3. Please iden...

FOI not held 45 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings contracts s.5 s.6 s.17(1) s.3 s.18(1) s.28 s.12 s.35(1) s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1)
Published
2019-09-13
Reference
FOI/19/01942
Directorate
Topic
Public sector

First Minister emails to Special Advisers using various accounts: FOI release

FOI-201900002906: How many emails received by Scottish Government special advisers from Nicola Sturgeon using any email address ending in "@gov.scot" or "@scotland.gsi.gov.uk" in June 2019. FOI-201900002907: The number of emails received by Scottish Government special advisers from Nicola Sturgeon while she was using a...

FOI unclear 75 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers 2 attachments
Published
2019-08-21
Reference
FOI/201900002906
Directorate
Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Notes and correspondence with North Lanarkshire Council - St Ambrose school campus, Coatbridge: FOI release

You asked for: • "Any briefing documents provided to Scottish Ministers on St Ambrose school campus in Coatbridge within the last year (prior to 20 June 2019)" (Fol/19/10503) • "Any correspondence (emails, letters, phone calls or otherwise) between Scottish Government ministers, senior civil servants or special advis...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-07-29
Reference
FOI/19/01503, FOI/19/01504
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Rules/procedures applicable to Special Advisors for political matters/government business: FOI release

“1. Are the civil servants working to instructions from their superiors to take as long as possible to reply and to use ploys to provide little or no information? 2. Are the FOI requests referred to Ministers? 3. Do they have input as to how the civil servants respond? 4. Are Special Advisers subject to the same rules ...

FOI released 100 score 19 working days correspondence ministers special advisers meetings contracts s.17(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-07-22
Reference
FOI/19/01538
Directorate
Topic
Constitution and democracy, Public sector

Number of female; Cabinet Secretaries, Ministers and Special Advisers: FOI release

You made the following request for information: For verification of the number of women Cabinet Secretaries, Ministers and Special Advisers as provided in your table.

FOI unclear 50 score 11 working days correspondence ministers special advisers
Published
2019-07-22
Reference
FOI/19/01693
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Evaluation Attainment Scotland Fund Head Teacher Survey 2019: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, documents or otherwise) involving Scottish Government ministers and/or senior civil servants and/or special advisers regarding the following publication prior to its release date, including the original draft of the publi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-07-17
Reference
FOI/201900002236
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Judicial Review against the Scottish Government by former First Minister: FOI release

1. List and details of meetings and phone calls between Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government and senior civil servant James Hynd between 1 October 2017 and 31 December 2017. 2. Itemised list of meetings, phone calls, emails, letters and notes between Leslie Evans, Permanent Secretary to the Sco...

FOI not held 70 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.7 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.39(1) s.35(1) s.17(1) s.10 s.12 s.65 2 attachments
Published
2019-05-29
Reference
FOI/19/01156
Directorate
Legal Services (Solicitor to the Scottish Government)
Topic
Public sector

Ministers and Special Advisers roles responding to FOI requests: FOI review

Please provide the following: (A) any and all procedures, guidance, emails that set out the current role of Ministers and Special Advisers in responding to FOI requests and requests for internal review. (B) a risk assessment that sets out the data protection compliance considerations associated with (A).

FOI not held 70 score 7 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.1(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-04-09
Reference
FOI/19/00669 Review
Directorate
Constitution Directorate
Topic
Public sector